The NOAA winter forecast does not specify how much precipitation will fall as rain, snow or ice, only that more or less is likely overall. Snow forecasts depend upon the strength and track of winter storms, which generally cannot be predicted more than a week in advance, according to Weather Service meteorologists.

In examining the seasonal temperature outlook encapsulating December, January and February, the entirety of New York has the same odds of experiencing a warmer winter. From New York City to Buffalo, the state as a whole has a 40% to 50% likelihood of seeing warmer-than-average temperatures this coming winter.

The U.S. has a 74% chance of La Niña conditions, which could mean a colder, and stormier, winter than usual in Wisconsin.